Page 748 of Not Over You

Oh, hell to the fucking No! That afterparty is an important event and I won’t allow him to ruin it for me. As soon as he turns to walk away, I grab him by the back of the neck. “Office. Now.” I don’t protest when Mike follows, because I might need him to stop me from killing my own brother.

Zack whistles as soon as I open the office door. You have no idea how badly I want to throat punch that smug look right off his face. Instead, I fold my arms across my chest and wait for him to take a seat. Unfortunately, he walks over to the window. “I never pegged you for a voyeur, bro. In fact, I recall you being the exhibitionist back in the day. How’s that working for you?”

Fuck, he didn’t just go there. “Sit down before I have Mike throw your ass out. We’re hashing this out right here and now. And then I never want to see you again.”

“Yeah, you’ve threatened me several times, yet I’m standing here in your office, aren’t I?” I lose all conscious thought when I lunge for his throat. Mike quickly steps between us before I can wrap my hands around him. For a big guy, he’s pretty fast on his feet.

“Boss?” All I need to do is give Mike a nod and he’d have Zack laid out on the floor with one hand. But that’s what the fucktard wants us to do. I won’t give him the satisfaction.

“I’m fine, Mike. We’ve already used our fists too many times to count. Today we’re going to use our words and get this over with once and for all. Right, Zack?” I point to the chair, so he’ll sit his ass down and to my surprise, he does. I follow suit, leaning my elbows on the desk, and wait. It doesn’t take long for him to start talking.

“You got any smokes, bro? I could certainly use one right about now.” He sneaks a glance over his shoulder at Mike before focusing his attention back on me.

“There’s no smoking in the club. Besides, I gave it up three months ago. Look, Zack, I don’t want a pissing match so I’m just going to tell you how this is going to play out. You’re not welcome here. Maybe it’s best if you don’t accept the invitation to the afterparty.”

“Too late, bro, because that’s MY job! It’s not my fault that it happens to be at your precious club. If you don’t want me here, then cancel the afterparty and suggest they have it at another venue.”

Is he fucking crazy?

“I’m sure the agency can find someone else to take your place, Zack. You’re a fucking escort. They must have hundreds to choose from. No big deal.”

“It is a big deal, since the client asked for me personally. Look, I take my job very seriously, Zane. I might not own a flashy club and wear expensive suits, but I make a living. An honest living, I might add. Not my fault that you and the family have a hard time accepting me for what I am.” He glares in my direction and anticipates my reaction. I don’t give him one. In my mind I let him know how different we really are. You accept payment to fuck women and the only compensation I receive is pleasure.

“Whatever, Zack. It’s not about the flashy club or the fancy suits and you know it. It’s about working hard for what you want or just skating by. You took the easy road with your good looks and pimped yourself out.”

Fuming, he stands up and shouts, “Fuck. You. Zane. I came here to give you a head’s up. I did, now I’m outta here.”

Since Mike’s standing in front of the door, he’s blocking the only exit. I know for a fact that Zack would barrel through him if I don’t tell him to move. Reluctantly I nod, let him go. I don’t have the patience to deal with him anymore. Mike steps aside just before Zack goes storming out the door.

Once he’s gone, I begin pacing back and forth like a caged animal. I’m angry at myself for not hitting this head-on once and for all. My only reasoning is I don’t want to get into all the dirty details at work. Especially in front of my employees. As much as I hate the thought of inviting my brother into my home, that might be what I need to do to air out our dirty laundry. It’s been years in the making and since he’s forcing my hand because of the party, I don’t have any other choice. I’ll send him a text to meet me at my house next Monday since it’s my day off. One way or the other, this needs to be done.

“Sorry you had to witness that, Mike. One of the reasons I banned him from the club.”

“No need to apologize, boss. Is there anything else you need me to take care of?” I’m not sure if he’s asking for the club or if it concerns Zack. Either way, I’m finished here.

“I’m all good, Mike. Why don’t you start prepping for tonight?” Once he closes the door behind him, I pour a glass of Jack and toss it back. The burn momentarily takes my mind off my brother. It’s only a temporary fix and my thoughts soon wander back to him.

It wasn’t always like this between him and me. Growing up, we were tight. But when he started making bad decisions and sticking his nose in where it didn’t belong, I had to cut him loose. Eventually, I might have been able to forgive him for his inappropriate job choice, but I can never forgive him for his betrayal.

I might be pissed at Zack but not enough to ignore my unknown. Grabbing my phone, I let her message calm down the seething beast inside of me.

In my dreams are where we come together

Until I wake and reality forces us apart

The desolation I feel is out of control

Sleep is my solace when I let go

LILIANNA

I wake with a start, sprawled out on the chaise lounge with the brilliant stars above as my ceiling. I’m flushed and disoriented as a long-forgotten ache lingers between my trembling thighs. A feeling I haven’t had in quite some time.

I scoot up and glance both ways. I’m surrounded by walls on both sides, shrouding me in privacy. The only railing is the one right in front of me, so I can enjoy the breathtaking view. Apparently, I was having one hell of a dream, since there’s no lingering scent of smoke or snuffed out cigarette of any kind. Just an emptiness buried deep inside that has me crawling out of my skin.

I take several minutes to get acclimated when a sudden wave of foolishness and embarrassment engulfs me. Obviously, a night of lust and passion will do that. Whatever possessed me to have that glass of wine on an empty stomach? Now, I’m unstable and exhausted. How anyone can party and drink the night away is beyond my comprehension.

After stumbling into my room on shaky legs, I quickly disrobe and crawl beneath the covers of the king-sized bed. The plush mattress and silky sheets are cool against my heated flesh. My skin feels prickly and sensitive after that erotic dream I just experienced.

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